Exam Tips and Help

Question 1

Part 1 - Interpretations

Answer 1

You will have 3 questions to answer on 2 written interpretations (4, 4, 8 marks)

Question 2

Q1 - How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about …………? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B.

Answer 2

To answer, describe the differences in the content of both interpretations

Reference both interpretations, but only pick out the key words

Use own knowledge to provide context

Make sure that you don’t discuss why they differ, because that comes in the next question.

Answer using a PEEL paragraph (but include 2 bits of evidence on how they differ and explain both so a PEEEEL)

4 marks = 5 minutes

Question 3

Q2 - Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation about ……………..? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge.

Answer 3

To answer, describe why the authors provide conflicting information using the provenance

Highlight the origin (where it comes from and when) and purpose (why it was published) of the two interpretations

Refer to the two differences mentioned in the previous answer and explain why they put forward the different views

Consider the authors’ personal backgrounds and why that would affect the way they view the situation

Again, answer using a PEEL paragraph (but include 2 bits of evidence on how they differ and explain both so a PEEEEL)

4 marks = 5 minutes

Question 4

Q3 - Which interpretation do you find more convincing about ……………….? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge.

Answer 4

The final eight-mark question about the two interpretations asks you to compare them again, but this time you are deciding which of the two is more convincing.

1 PEEL paragraph to discuss why interpretation A is most convincing

1 PEEL paragraph to discuss why interpretation B is most convincing

An overall judgement about which of the two is more convincing with clear and detailed contextual knowledge to support it.

Use own knowledge to consider the accuracy of the content of the interpretations

8 marks = 10 minutes

Question 5

Part 2

Answer 5

The second part of your exam will focus on assessing your knowledge of the course, so remember to include as much own knowledge as you can recall.
However, remember to always think “so what?” after, make sure that you are including relevant information and explaining clearly why you are doing this

Pay close attention to the question as they are usually time specific, so you will only get the marks for mentioning key events and individuals that fall in the years they are asking you to talk about

The next three questions can be from any period within the course, so it’s important to revise all sections

Question 6

Q4 - Describe two successes/failures/features of ………

Answer 6

You need to identify two separate factors to answer the question, but this can be done in brief

Consider writing two short PEEL paragraphs or one developed PEEEEL (2 evidence for the 2 factors with explanation)

Remember to explain why you have mentioned the success/failure/feature. It’s not enough to identify, remember to think “so what?” and explain why you have identified this as an answer using the word because

4 marks = 5 minutes

Question 7

Q5 - In what ways were the ………. affected by …………..?

Answer 7

This question is asking you how a group or development were affected by a key event of development

For example: In what ways were the lives of German people affected by events during the early years of the Weimar Republic, 1919–1923?

You need to mention two effects and should write 2 PEEL paragraphs

Remember to be specific and pay attention to what the questions has asked

The best answers will compare and contrast the experience of different groups in reference to the question i.e. the working class, the middle and upper class, women, political opponents etc.

8 marks = 10 minutes

Question 8

Q6 -Which of the following was the more important reason why …?

• (Reason 1)
• (Reason 2)
  Explain your answer with reference to both reasons.

Answer 8

The final question requires you to analyse both factors using specific own knowledge and reach a judgement on which was most important

For example:
Which of the following was the more important reason why Germany became a dictatorship:
• Germany’s problems
• Hitler’s actions?

You should write 2 detailed PEEL paragraphs (1 on each reason) and make specific references back to key words in the question i.e. dictatorship

You need to include as much specific own knowledge as you can remember considering SPED evidence, but keep explaining the importance of this

The best answers will make a judgement in response to the questions, but will identify links between the two reasons and how one impacted the other

Short term and long term impact should also be considered

12 marks = 15 minutes

Question 9

What is a PEEL paragraph?

Answer 9

P = Point

The first sentence of each paragraph should clearly state the point of the paragraph which in turn should be directly connected to the overall theme of the question. Be precise and clear about what you will be discussing.

E = Evidence

Provide evidence to support your point and the theme of the answer. Make the evidence specific, eg use key terms, dates and names. Be precise with the facts – don’t generalise.

E = Explain

Interpret the evidence and show how it agrees or disagrees with the question theme.

L = Link

When providing the link sentence at the end of your paragraph you are not only linking back to the rest of the paragraph and the main idea but you are also allowing for a transition to the next topic or paragraph.